Method for coating catheters with a layer of antimicrobial agent

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to process for creating catheters that are coated with these layers of elastomeric polymeric coating with an antitoxic agent, antimicrobial resin, affixed to the surface of said polymeric coating. The method of coating an elastomeric material on the exterior and/or the interior includes: (a) providing a base elastomer comprised of an elastomeric polymer; (b) dipping the elastomer in a second organic solution containing a polymer to form a secondary coating over the barrier coating; (d) coating the elastomer with suspension containing polyiodinated resin particulate in an organic solvent to anchor the particulates to the secondary coating; and (e) drying the elastomer.

FIELD

The present invention relates to urological catheters, known as Foley bladder catheters and other medical catheter related devices such as dialysis catheters and cardiac catheters as a few examples. In particular, the present invention relates to catheters and implantable devices that are coatable with an iodine released anti-infective, programmable polymeric dispersion for inhibiting infection induced by the catheters which are disposed and positioned in a human body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Catheters are commonly utilized especially by physicians and other health care personnel for various purposes, such as the long and short term intravenous delivery (infusion) and withdrawal of fluids, such as urine, Dialysis catheters, as well as blood and blood products for treatment and monitoring of the patient. Examples of catheters include urinary catheters, suction catheters, dialysis catheters, venous catheters, Swan-Ganz catheters, double and triple lumen central catheters, arterial catheters, arterial line monitoring catheters, to name but a few.

The widespread use of respiratory catheters, venous and or arterial catheters, urological catheters, and dialysis catheters has resulted in dangerous infections owing to the adherence and colonization of pathogens on the catheter surface. Moreover, colonized catheters may produce a reservoir of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are now the most common type of hospital acquired infections. Catheter-related bloodstream and respiratory infections are also very common and often result in morbidity. Antimicrobial catheters currently on the market have been shown to offer some degree of protection against dangerous microbes. These catheters use various active agents such as ionic silver, chlorhexidine and antibiotics. However, commercially available antimicrobial catheters have considerable drawbacks including a narrow range of antimicrobial activity and the potential to cause undesirable side effects when drug-based coatings such as ionic silver, chlorhexidine and antibiotics are used. Silver coatings, in particular have limited antimicrobial effectiveness. Furthermore, development of bacterial resistance against drug based active agents is quite common, rendering them ineffective.

Iodine is a well-known broad spectrum antimicrobial agent that has bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties which has been used for over centuries as an antiseptic. When iodine reacts with aqueous solutions, free iodine, which provides the germicidal effect, is released. While generally inhibiting infective germs over the short term, the biocidal effectiveness of iodine is dependent on, inter alia, how long the infective agent is exposed to it.

To increase the effectiveness of iodine, it is normally combined with a solubilizing agent or other carrier to form an iodophor. Such iodophors, in effect, provide a reservoir of iodine from which small amounts of free iodine in aqueous solution are released over a period of time. These iodophor formulated for example, as a solution, soap, cream or paste, and are then topically applied to that area of a patient's body which is desired to be treated. Perhaps the best known of these iodophors is povidone-iodine, in which iodine in the form of triiodide is complexed with the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone. An example of such an application can be found by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,259.

It has also been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,380 issued to Le Veen et al, to provide cross-linked thermoplastic polyurethane articles, such as catheters, into which iodine has been complexed for antibacterial use. While being useful for their purpose, such cross-linked thermoplastics cannot be utilized for coatings nor do they provide the same level of antibacterial protection. The Iodine (I₂) is imbedded within the polymer and is not available to react as an effective antimicrobial. A particular problem often faced with antimicrobial coated elastomeric catheters is that the biocidal material may leach from the surface of the elastomeric product. Hence, the antimicrobial efficacy is significantly reduced over time. Moreover, such leaching may create significant problems, particularly when the elastomeric products are used in medical applications.

Another problem comes when the antimicrobial agent is directly incorporated into the underlying elastomeric material. While this can reduce leaching of iodine located on the surface of the elastomeric product, it also necessitate a relatively large amount of iodine be incorporated in order to exert a significant toxic effect on a broad spectrum of pathogens. The use of polymer coatings to incorporate iodine has the effect of trapping the iodine such that there is also a need for relatively large amounts of iodine to be incorporated in order to exert a significant toxic effect.

The ability to apply iodine in the form of polyiodides in a coating process which incorporates the antimicrobial agent only into the relatively thin outer coating layer that nonetheless provides for a steady release of iodine solely at the surface of the device, would be advantageous.

A catheter which has a thermoset uncross-linked polymer coating that has iodine either complexed therein for quick and relative immediate release of the iodine and/or matrixed therein for sustained release of the iodine on the surface coating of said catheter would address deficiencies in prior arts.

Thus, it can be seen that there remains a need for catheters that are solvent coatable with a polymeric dispersion or solution that have iodine complexed and/or matrixed therein, so as to provide for immediate and/or sustained release of the iodine for inhibiting infection, that is commonly associated with the use of such catheters.

Elastomeric materials have proven to be very valuable in many healthcare and medical applications. Several types of elastomeric polymers have properties which are ideal for such applications. For instance, materials such as latex, silicone and polyvinyl demonstrates a combination of softness, high tensile strength and excellent film-forming properties.

Hence, there is a need to develop new antimicrobial contact kill type products, such catheters that are effective against all currently known microorganisms, are nontoxic and are inexpensive to manufacture.

Polyiodide resins have proven to be as much as 1,000,000 times more effective than an iodine (I₂) molecule alone. A large number of chemical, biochemical, and physiological studies have proven that the iodine added to microorganisms is irreversibly bound. This has the effect of devitalizing the microorganisms by damaging cellular proteins, lipids, enzymes, oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and other chemical pathways.

Microorganisms carry a negative electrical potential energy on their surface when damp with water. The polyiodide resin carries a positive electrical potential charge. The microorganisms with their negative electrical potential are naturally drawn to the iodinated resin particles with their positive electrical potential charge, thus ensuring contact and devitalization. The iodinated resin releases the correct lethal dose of nascent iodine in less than 3 seconds at a body temperature 98.6° C. or 36.9° C.

The ion-exchange resin bead or particle is chemically bonded homogeneously with polyiodide of uniform composition throughout its interior. As nascent iodine is consumed more is continuously fed to the surface from the interior of the resin bead or particle.

The unique release on demand feature of polyiodide resin can be demonstrated by adding resin beads to the well of a depression microscope slide with a suspension of the highly Motile Ciliate Tetrahymena Pyriforms. When observed microscopically, individual cells maintain their motion while swimming in a solution with 2 ppm of iodine residual. However after a collision with a resin bead, their activity dramatically slows and within seconds stops altogether.

Bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, and protozoa are not able to develop resistance to iodine even after a period of prolonged exposure to polyiodinated resins. It is not expected that emerging new infections will develop resistance to iodine, as historically there has been no development of resistance to iodine, as well as polyiodinated resin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Brief Description of the Drawing(s) and Charts

FIG. 1. Release rates from previous studies.

FIG. 2 Graph showing biological performance of latex/iodinated resin coated latex elastomers of the present invention against the challenge microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with re-inoculation every twenty-four hours up to ninety-six hours per (WuXi AppTec Report Number 901978).

FIG. 3 graph showing biological performance of latex/iodinated resin coated latex elastomers of the present invention against the challenge microorganisms S. aureus and E. Coli per (WuXi AppTec Report Number 793489).

FIG. 4 Cross section of catheter, 1, with barrier polyurethane coating applied, 2. Only the outside coating is shown for the purpose of clarity.

FIG. 5 Cross section of catheter, 1, with binder polyurethane coating, 3, applied on top of barrier polyurethane coating, 2. Only the outside coating is shown for the purpose of clarity.

FIG. 6 Cross section of catheter, 1, with Antimicrobial resin layer, 4, on top of both binder polyurethane coating, 3, and barrier polyurethane coating, 2. Only the outside coating is shown for the purpose of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following sections describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only.

Throughout the description, where items are described as having, including, or comprising one or more specific components, or where processes and methods are described as having, including, or comprising one or more specific steps, it is contemplated that, additionally, there are items of the present invention that consist essentially of, or consist of, the one or more recited components, and that there are processes and methods according to the present invention that consist essentially of, or consist of, the one or more recited processing steps.

Scale-up and/or scale-down of systems, processes, units, and/or methods disclosed herein may be performed by those of skill in the relevant art. Processes described herein are configured for batch operation, continuous operation, or semi-continuous operation.

The present invention relates generally to coating of elastomeric products with an anti-microbial material, and methods of making the same. The antitoxic agent is preferably an antimicrobial agent, an antiviral agent, a bio-chemical agent or a reducing agent. The active agent preferably exerts a toxic effect on a diverse array of microorganisms and other pathogens and environmental toxins while not being toxic to the user. Preferably, the antitoxic agent comprises polyiodinated resin particles.

Disinfectants are known in the art. One preferred demand disinfectant is polyiodinated resins made by Hybrid Technologies Corporation. The particle sizes of the powders range from about 1 micron to about 150 microns. Preferably, the particle sizes should be in the range from about 5 microns to about 10 microns. Alternative sources of the polyiodinated resins may be used subject to meeting the same purity and physical conditions as the material from Hybrid Technologies Corporation.

Iodinated resins used in accordance with the present invention are referred to as polyiodinated resin. The base polymer used to manufacture such polyiodinated resins is a strong base anion exchange resin. These resins contain quaternary ammonium exchange groups which are bonded to styrene divinylbenzene polymer chains. Polyiodinated resins can be made with different percentages of iodine and may be used in accordance with the present invention. Different percentages of iodine in the polyiodinated resins will confer different properties to the resin, in particular, different levels of biocidal activity. The particular resin used is based on the desired application and locations on the catheter. For example, two different polyiodinated resins could be used on two different exterior locations on the catheter as well as a third different polyiodinated resin could be used on the interior of the catheter.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coating process wherein the catheter is prepared by coating with thermoplastic and hydrophilic polyurethanes in a tetrahydrofuran solution and allowing the catheter to dry, followed by a polyiodinated resin powder that had been dispersed in a tetrahydrofuran/acetone solution with the polyurethane and then allowed to dry to form a mixture. The solutions may be applied by dipping the elastomeric material in the liquid.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antimicrobial solutions containing polyiodinated resin powder can be applied to the surface of the polyurethane coating on catheter. The underlying catheter surface to be coated is preferably comprised of latex.

Tetrahydrofuran solutions of polyurethane are dipped/placed onto the underlying catheter surface, which is allowed to dry. A tetrahydrofuran/acetone solution of the antimicrobial resin is then applied (such as sprayed or dipped) onto the polyurethane coating and allowed to try. Alternatively, the catheter can be dipped into the aforementioned solutions. The coating process of the present invention to make antimicrobial catheters that prevent adherence and colonization of pathogens on the catheter surface due to the added antimicrobial properties of the iodinated resin. Hence, the catheters made by the coating process of the present invention significantly reduce the development of catheter-associated urinary tract, respiratory and bloodstream infections, without compromising the performance of the catheter for its intended use.

As discussed in the Background section, a particular problem often faced with antimicrobial coated elastomeric catheters is that the biocidal material may leach from the surface of the elastomeric product. Hence, the antimicrobial efficacy is significantly reduced over time. Moreover, such leaching may create significant problems, particularly when the elastomeric products are used in medical applications. A significant advantage of the present invention is that the polyiodinated resin incorporated in the coating does not have a tendency to leach or rub off of the surface.

Another significant advantage of the present invention is that a relatively small amount of the antimicrobial agent need be applied in order to exert a significant toxic effect on a broad spectrum of pathogens. Unlike methods in the prior art, in which the antimicrobial agent is directly incorporated into the underlying elastomeric material, the present invention involves the coating process which incorporates the antimicrobial agent only into the relatively thin outer coating layer. As such, the amount of antimicrobial agent needed to demonstrate antimicrobial efficacy is significantly lessened (Reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,380).

With regards to efficacy, the elastomeric materials made with the coating process of the present invention have been tested against a robust organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizing the following recognized standards: AATCC Method 100 (modified for twenty-four hour repeat insult testing) and ASTM E2149 (modified for twenty-four hour repeat insult testing). The test results showed an average reduction of greater than 10⁶ in bacterial count vs. untreated samples).

With regards to efficacy, the elastomeric materials made with the coating process of the present invention have been tested against a robust organism Staphylococcus aureus utilizing the following recognized standards: AATCC Method 100 (modified for twenty-four hour repeat insult testing). The test results showed an average reduction of greater than 10⁶ in bacterial count vs. untreated samples).

The methodology described above for producing antimicrobial-coated catheters such as urinary, cardiac, and dialysis, may also be used to coat a host of other articles such as stents and tubing.

The following examples illustrate various aspects and embodiments of the present invention. They are not to be construed to limit the claims in any manner whatsoever.

Definitions

Catheter—a thin tube made from medical grade materials serving a broad range of functions. Catheters are medical devices that can be inserted in the body to treat diseases or perform a surgical procedure. By modifying the material or adjusting the way catheters are manufactured, it is possible to tailor catheters for cardiovascular, urological, gastrointestinal, neurovascular, and ophthalmic applications. Polyiodide—Molecular iodide of more than one iodine atom containing a net negative charge Antimicrobial—An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Elastomeric—A polymer with viscoelasticity (having both viscosity and elasticity) and very weak inter-molecular forces, generally having low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials. Ion-Exchange—An exchange of ions between two electrolytes or the exchange of ions of the same charge between an insoluble solid and a solution in contact with it. an electrolyte solution and a complex or solid state material.

A. EMBODIMENTS

A new method of manufacturing catheters coated with antimicrobial agents is described herein. The methodology involves coating an elastomeric catheter with layers of polyurethane dissolved in tetrahydrofuran, which is then allowed to dry, thereafter affixed with an antimicrobial agent via a tetrahydrofuran/acetone solution. In preferred embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a demand release antimicrobial contact disinfectant polyiodinated resins with the ability to be tailored to specific medical needs based on the iodine concentration of iodine in its various forms such as I₃ ⁻, I₅ ⁻, I₇ ⁻.

The coating process may be performed without (or with minimal) application of heat, thereby avoiding deactivation of the antimicrobial agent, yet still achieving stable adherence of the coating to the catheter. Further, it is found that a very thin coating containing a polyiodinated resin as antibacterial agent is sufficient to achieve excellent antimicrobial properties without adversely impacting the performance properties of the product (e.g., flexibility and strength). The polyiodinated resin serves as an antimicrobial agent which prevents or greatly inhibits hazardous microbes that catheters contact from spreading to any surfaces or liquids that are touched. The product once treated by the process has proven to maintain its kill capabilities beyond 96 hours (repeated inoculation every 24 hours with >10⁷ pseudomonas aeruginosa for the entire study) as referenced by test results done by Wuxi AppTec, a third party reference lab.

The invention relates to elastomeric products, which may include catheters that are coated with a thin layer of elastomeric polymeric coating containing an antimicrobial agent, particularly a demand disinfectant polyiodinated resin. The elastomeric product can be coated with elastomeric substance (coating) comprised of a different material and is not restricted to the same identical materials. The antimicrobial-coated catheters are prepared by adding thermoplastic and hydrophilic polyurethane as a polymer coating via a tetrahydrofuran solution of the polyurethanes, and then affixing the antitoxic agent via a tetrahydrofuran/acetone solution. The antimicrobial coatings are capable of providing a high level of protection against microbes and other many biohazards, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to an elastomeric product with enhanced antimicrobial properties, the product comprising: a foundation comprising an elastomeric material; and a coating applied over the foundation, antimicrobial resin stably affixed to the coating.

In certain embodiments, the multiple coatings comprised of polyurethane. The coating may advantageously have a thickness in various ranges with particularly advantageous for set properties and duration and efficacy over differing periods of time, from 5 μm up to and including 250 μm.

In certain embodiments, the catheter has coatings of different polyiodides in different location on or in the device. For example: triiodide in one location and pentaiodide in a different location on its exterior surface may include one polyiodide at the tip of the device or the outside surface of the device and another polyiodide on another location or in the inner exposed surface of the device.

In certain embodiments, the catheter has a coating of different polyiodides in different locations, for example: triiodide in one location and pentaiodide in a different location on its inside surface. Triiodide may be used as a low level antimicrobial exposure and the Pentaiodide may be used as a high level antimicrobial exposure to achieve the preferred antimicrobial effectiveness profile over time. The Triiodide and Pentaiodide levels may be tailored for specific antimicrobial effectiveness profiles as needed.

In certain embodiments, the catheter coatings on its exterior or interior surfaces of the catheter can be a blend of polyiodides, for example triiodide and pentaiodide in the range of 80%-98% I₃ ⁻, and 2-20% I₅ ⁻.

In certain embodiments, the polyiodinated resin particles advantageously have an average size within the range from 5 μm to 50 μm.

In certain embodiments, the polyiodinated resin particles advantageously have a concentration in the range of 2 wt. % to 25 wt. %.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a medical catheter made from an elastomeric polymer which is coated with a layer of an elastomeric polymer to which polyiodinated resin particulates are dispersed. The coating provides a significant amount of protection against a broad array of biocidal agents and other potential biohazards.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to antimicrobial coatings for elastomeric products comprising an elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of latex rubber and other elastomeric materials and a plurality of polyiodinated resin particles incorporated on the surface of the elastomeric polymer, wherein the thickness of the coating is in the range from about 20 μm to about 100 μm

Elements of embodiments described with respect to a given aspect of the invention may be used in various embodiments of another aspect of the invention (e.g., subject matter of dependent claims may apply to more than one independent claim).

B. IP INFORMATION FOR FILING APPLICATION PATENT

A polymer type barrier coating (a barrier coating was selected in an effort to prevent or minimize Iodine from migrating into the base Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) catheter substrate and to serve as a coating to which a secondary polymer could be solvent bonded).

-   -   a. Medical grade aliphatic, polyester-based hydrogel TECOPHILIC         TG-2000; medical grade aliphatic, polyester-based solution grade         TECOPHILIC SP-93A-100; medical grade aliphatic, solution grade         TECOFLEX SG-80A and medical grade aromatic TECOTHANE TT-1074A         were evaluated for their ability to adhere to the base catheter         in a stirred water bath at 35-42° C. for an extended period of         up to 72 hours.     -   b. The preferred barrier polymer was TECHOTHANE TT-1074A as both         TG-2000 and SP-93A-100 with their high water absorption         characteristics (900% and 100% respectively) exhibited definite         signs of separating from the substrate NRL under the above         prescribed laboratory conditions. SG-80A (though water         absorption is unknown, also showed evidence of separating from         the substrate.

The polymer concentration of TECHOTHANE TT-1074A was evaluated from a range of 2.5 and 5.0% wt/wt in solvent and found that the higher concentration of 5.0% was cloudy, indicated unsatisfactory dissolution of the polymer in THF. Dipping of samples also exhibited a surplus of polymer at the distal end of the sample that tended to run back when held in a horizontal position and rotated to dry.

-   -   c. The concentration was reduced to 2.5% wt/wt in THF with 2.5%         being selected as optimum in the amount required to provide a         sufficient quantity to bind a secondary polymer, prevent visual         (microscopically) stress cracks in the substrate surface and         provide rapid drying and more even flow (minimize buildup at         distal end of sample) upon extraction.     -   d. 1 and 2 dips of the preferred concentration of TT-1074A were         evaluated due to potential economy of manufacture and 2 dips         provided a more satisfactory coating for the adhesion of a         secondary polymer (to facilitate binding of Polyiodide) and a         barrier coat between the Polyiodide and substrate catheter.

c. Test specimens prepared for biological efficacy were prepared using 2 dips of TI-1074A at 2.5% wt/wt in THF as the tie coating that was applied to the NRL catheter sample.

d. TI-1074A @ 2.5% wt/wt in THF: 400 g×0.025=10 g TT-1074A+390 g THF (or 439 ml) stir at moderate rpm (sufficient to create approximately a 1.25-1.5 inch deep vortex) for approximately 12 hours until completely dissolved.

Polymer type for binder coating (the Polyiodide is not mixed into the polymer as encapsulation of the Polyiodide is not desired. The polymer is used to anchor the Polyiodide particulates to a sufficient degree as to prevent the particulates from rubbing or flaking off when handled but not to the degree as to encapsulate them in a coating of polymeric material).

-   -   e. TECOPHILIC SP-93A-100 was evaluated as a binder coating by         applying to catheter samples previously coated with TT-1074A for         adhesion to the barrier/tie coating by using the water bath         technique described in (1a) above. There was no apparent loss of         polymer in the water bath as evidenced by lack of cloudiness or         particulates present.     -   f. SP-93-A formulation: @1.5% wt/wt in THF: 350 g×0.015=5.25 g         SP-93A+344.8 g (387.7 ml) THF stir at moderate rpm (sufficient         to create approximately a 1.25-1.5 inch deep vortex) stir over         night to assure complete dissolution of polymer add sufficient         Citric acid to bring pH to 3.0-3.4.     -   g. This coating was dipped 2× over the coatings of TT-1074A for         attachment of the Polyiodide particulates.

Polyiodide 10 μm was suspended in THF using a 12% suspension of the polyiodide in THF:Acetone at a ratio of 2:4. SP-93A-100 was evaluated for iodine neutralization (visual absence of color) after Polyiodide was dipped onto the SP-93A in (b.) above. The sample was placed under the microscope at 40× magnification and 1 drop of O.1 N NA₂S₂O₃ was placed on the visual surface and the timer started. After 60 minutes there was no visual sign of color change from the NA₂S₂O₃. This solution was dissolving the SP-93A too much and the solvents were adjusted to 2:5 ratio THF:Acetone and decreased.

The 2:5 ratio THF:Acetone reduced the Polyiodide concentration to 10.1%.

f. The NA₂S₂O₃ neutralization of this formulation showed visual neutralization initiated in 5 minutes and was completed in 60 minutes.

Samples for microbiological efficacy were then prepared using the TT-1074A formulation from (2.d.) above as the barrier/tie coat; The SP-93A binder coating from (3.b.) above and a 10% Polyiodide, 10 μm suspension in a solvent blend ratio of 2:5 THF:Acetone.

-   -   h. All coatings were applied under laboratory hand dipped         techniques using 2× dips for each of the formulations.         -   i. The TT-1074 was air dried in a HEPA hood overnight after             coating and prior to application of the SP-93A.         -   ii. The SP-93A coating was dried in the HEPA hood overnight             after coating and prior to application of the Polyiodide             suspension.         -   iii. The Polyiodide dips were allowed to dry overnight and             then packaged for microbiological testing.

There was a greater than 4 log reduction (1.0×10¹ CFU) in microorganisms when the product was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 at 1.9×10⁵ over twenty-four hours per (WuXi AppTec Report Number 823213).

Once the results were received from AppTec, and were favorable, efforts to improve the overall efficiency of the samples were continued.

The Polyiodide Concentration was considered to be insufficient and that the solvent ratio was maybe just a little too weak to bind sufficient Polyiodide to the SP-93A.

-   -   i. The concentration of Polyiodide 10 μm was increased to 12%         wt/wt in a 2:5 ratio THF:Acetone and applied to samples prepared         with 2× dips of 1T-1074A and 2× clips of SP-93A.     -   j. Neutralization of Iodine with the technique described in         (3.d.) above indicated neutralization was visually initiated in         7 minutes and completed in 40 minutes.     -   k. Samples were prepared for microbiological efficacy testing         and sent to AppTech.

There was a greater than 4 log reduction (1.0×10¹ CFU) in microorganisms when the product was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 at 1.9×10⁷ over twenty-four hours per (WuXi AppTec Report Number 826515)

In conversations with AppTech microbiologists, it was deemed a high probability that 72-96 hours in a wrist action shaker flask would create natural die off of the microbial agent. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was utilized and is considered an excellent model for evaluation of efficacy due to its ruggedness and its resistance to antimicrobial agents. Therefore, a viability test was performed utilizing a reduced shaker speed.

-   -   l. There was no reduction in microorganisms which demonstrated         that the viability of the techniques was valid per (WuXi AppTec         Report Number 828085.AO1).

Continuing in an effort to improve the overall microbiological, the solvents were adjusted to 2:4.5 ratio of THF:Acetone.

-   -   m. Neutralization was again observed to initiate in 5 minutes         and was complete in 30 minutes using the technique described in         (3.d) above.

11. Samples were then prepared for the 72 hour microbial efficacy testing utilizing a SP-93A dip solution with pH=3.26 and a Polyiodide, 10 μm suspension in 2:4.5 ratio ofTHF:Acetone with pH=3.24.

12. There was a greater than 6.1 log reduction (1.0×10¹ CFU) in microorganisms when the product was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 at 1.63×10⁷ over a seventy-two hour period per (WuXi AppTec Report Number 831569.A01).

C. EXAMPLES

These examples may or may not require modifications to current existing manufacturing and process equipment. The examples are intended to demonstrate that a finished product can be produced in an existing manufacturing process that is further processed with one or two additional dipping and coating steps.

Preparation of Catheter for Coating

1) Take a commercially available catheter was soaked in SU100 Silicone Remover or substantially equivalent material for about 5 hours to ensure the complete removal of added coating on the base polymeric material. 2) Rinse the catheter under water to remove all of the SU100 solution and allow it to completely dry at room temperature. 3) When dried, remove all additional coatings to reach the base polymeric material and ensure that the surface of the catheter is free of particles. 4) Place a rod (metal or plastic) in the middle of the catheter to allow for more rigidity during the coating process.

Preparing the Barrier Polyurethane Coating

1) A polyurethane polymer (consisting of Techothane TT-1074A or substantially equivalent) to serve as a barrier between the resin and the underlying catheter is prepared by making a 2.5% wt/wt solution in tetrahydrofuran by adding the polymer to the tetrahydrofuran with moderate stirring at 35-42° C. until completely dissolved. 2) The resultant solution is then applied by dipping the prepared catheter (with each end plugged or unplugged) into the solution as follows: The catheter is rotated in the horizontal position at a speed of 3-4 RPM for 5 minutes to facilitate evaporation and even distribution of the polymer. 3) The catheter was allowed to dry overnight in a HEPA-filtered (12-14 hours) hood or similar environment. See FIG. 5.

Preparing the Binder Polyurethane Coating

1) A polyurethane polymer (consisting of Tecophillc SP-93A-100 or substantially equivalent) to serve as a binder between the resin and the barrier polyurethane layer is prepared by making a 1.5% wt/wt solution in tetrahydrofuran by adding the polymer to the tetrahydrofuran and moderately stirred until completely dissolved with 350 g×0.015=5.25 g SP-93A+344.8 g (387.7 ml) THF stir at moderate rpm (sufficient to create approximately a 1.25-1.5 inch deep vortex).

2) The pH of the solution was adjusted to between 3.0 and 3.4 with citric acid

3) The resultant solution is then applied by dipping the prepared catheter into the solution, or by spraying the solution onto the catheter as follows: The catheter is rotated in the horizontal position at a speed of 3-4 RPM for 5 minutes to facilitate evaporation and even distribution of the polymer.

4) The catheter was allowed to dry overnight in a HEPA-filtered hood or similar environment. 5) The solution is reapplied an additional time to the catheter and allowed to dry as previously described. See FIG. 6.

Preparation of the Resin

1) A mixture of Antimicrobial polyiodinated resin and solvent containing 12.0% wt/wt antimicrobial resin is prepared and allowed to stabilize for approximately 24 hours prior to use, with a THF:acetone ratio of 2:5.

2) The mixture is stirred at a speed of 200-300 rpm depending upon the vessel volume with the stirring continuing during the dipping.

3) The catheter is dipped into the Antimicrobial solvent mixture at a rate of approximately 3-4 inches per minute and extracted from the mixture at a rate of between 2-3 inches per minute.

4) Upon complete extraction, the catheter is rotated in the horizontal position in order to allow adequate evaporation of the solvent blend. The catheter is rotated for 5 minutes to facilitate evaporation and then allowed to dry for several hours prior to application of another coating of Antimicrobial.

5) This is dip/dry step is repeated until the desired quantity of Antimicrobial is applied to the catheter. See FIG. 7.

An outline is attached with a brief summary of the history of development.

The following results show microbiological data obtained with latex materials manufactured using the process described above.

Example 1 Zone of Inhibition Studies—Polyiodinated Resin Coated Catheters

The antimicrobial efficacy of the polyiodinated resin coated catheters (latex) of the present invention were determined using the bacterial challenge. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Small segments of the polyiodinated resin coated catheter or a control catheter (no polyiodinated resin) were placed on 1 cm² swatches of duct tape in an agar plate containing the challenge organism. After the required incubation time, the inhibition zone represented by a clear zone in the bacterial lawn surrounding the antimicrobial-containing article was readily obtained. A zone of inhibition is a region of the agar plate where the bacteria stop growing. The more sensitive the microbes are to the test article, the larger the zone of inhibition. In the two studies, the control catheter did not show a zone of inhibition whereas the iodinated resin coated catheter showed a zone of inhibition of 3 mm.

The following results show additional microbiological data obtained latex materials manufactured using the process described above.

Example 2 Antimicrobial Properties of Iodinated Resin Coated Catheter

The antimicrobial efficacy of the antimicrobial catheters of the present invention was determined using a bacterial adherence assay (Jansen B. et al. “In-vitro efficacy of a central venous catheter complexed with iodine to prevent bacterial colonization” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 30:135-139, 1992). Accordingly, polyiodinated resin coated catheter (latex)-pieces were incubated in bacterial suspensions of P. aeruginosa for contact times of 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours followed by enumeration of adherent bacteria on the catheters using the colony count method. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered an excellent model for evaluation of efficacy due to its ruggedness and its resistance to antimicrobial agents. All polyiodinated resin coated catheters were coated with a 15% antimicrobial solution of triiodinated resin (4 micron) in acetone/tetrahydrofuran solution. Control experiments were run either with untreated (blank) catheters or commercially available silver-treated latex catheters (Bardex I. C. with Bard hydrogel and Bacti-Guard silver alloy coating).

The results of the study indicate that the polyiodinated resin-coated catheters inhibited the adherence of bacteria for the duration of the test. On the other hand, silver-treated catheters showed little inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. 

1. Coating for elastomeric products that serve as a foundation with antimicrobial effect comprising a barrier coating of polyurethane (consisting of Techothane TT-1074A or substantially equivalent), upon with a binder coating of polyurethane (consisting of Tecophillc SP-93A-100 or substantially equivalent) that itself is coated with polymer (or substantially equivalent) resin that contains polyiodide anions.
 2. The product according to claim 1, whereof the elastomeric product that is being coated comprises natural latex or synthetic latex.
 3. The product according to claim 1, wherein the polyurethane coatings are applied without any antimicrobial via tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions, and the polyiodinated resin is applied thereupon via tetrahydrofuran (THF)/acetone solutions.
 4. The product according to claim 3, wherein the polyurethane coatings comprise a barrier layer that inhibits polyiodine from penetrating to the underlying elastomeric material, and a binder layer that binds the resin to the surface of the coating.
 5. The product according to claim 3, wherein the product has an exterior and/or interior surface iodinated resin concentration in the range from 1 g/m² to 50 g/m².
 6. A method of preparing a substrate surface of elastomeric material with antimicrobial properties, the method comprising of the steps of: (a) coating said surface with a barrier layer of polyurethane via THF solution; (b) coating the resulting product from step (a) with a binder layer of polyurathane via a THF solution; (c) addition and fixing of polyiodinated resin to the binder layer of polyurathane via a suspension in a THF/acetone solution; and (d) a final drying either without heating or heating below 80° C. for no more than 20 minutes.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein step (c) comprises dipping the polyurathane coated elastomeric material into the coating mixture.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the underlying elastomeric product is a medical device.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the underlying elastomeric product comprises latex or synthetic latex (isoprene or neoprene).
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the concentration of iodinated resin particles in the third coating mixture is in the range from about 2 wt. % to 25 about wt. %.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein the concentration of iodinated resin particles in the third coating mixture is in the range from about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %. 